One big thing: Pfluger’s bipartisan legislation to protect livestock producers from Crested Caracaras

The news: U.S. Representative August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced bipartisan legislation to allow producers to protect their livestock from Crested Caracaras (tropical black and white falcons that behave like vultures) that are killing, injuring, or causing destruction to livestock. Representative Henry Cuellar (TX-28) co-led the legislation, and it is supported by the American Sheep Industry and the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association.

Background: Despite being a predatory invasive species, the Crested Caracara is currently a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Pfluger‘s and Cuellar’s legislation authorizes covered individuals to take (kill, capture, transport, or disperse), injure or attempt to take a crested caracara that is causing, or that the covered person has a reasonable belief will cause, the death of or injury or destruction to livestock.

Covered individuals are defined within the legislation as a livestock producer or an employee of a livestock producer.

Additionally, the legislation requires a covered individual to submit an annual report to USFWS regional offices documenting each take. The forms producers are required to fill out will be available on the FWS website within 180 days of enactment of this legislation.

What they’re saying:

"In the past two decades, destructive Caracara birds of prey have taken up residence throughout Texas and into Louisiana. Lamb producers in our district have seen a significant increase in the number of lambs killed by Caracara's in recent years. Since these predators are protected, it is currently illegal for producers to kill one without prior authorization from the Department of Interior. We should not be protecting tropical birds of prey that are attacking American livestock. My legislation restores the ability of livestock producers to protect their herds from Caracaras.”

- Rep. August Pfluger

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Receives Funding From the Art Bridges Foundation started by Trinity University alum for Exhibit and Educational Programming

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts announced that it has received a funding award of $42,310 from the Art Bridges Foundation. The awarded funds will be applied to cover costs associated with the exhibit, In Conversation: Will Wilson, and related educational programming.

In Conversation: Will Wilson will be on view at SAMFA from July 11, 2024- September 15, 2024. The exhibit features the work of contemporary Navajo (Diné) photographer Will Wilson, together in a dialogue with the work of Edward Curtis, best known for his portfolios of romanticized photos published as The North American Indian(1907-1930). Wilson’s Critical Indigenous Photographic Exchange (CIPX) project, on the other hand, is dedicated to creating a contemporary vision of Native North America. Wilson employs a wet-plate collodion photographic technique, based on the nineteenth-century method, but he pushes the CIPX project into the contemporary with the inclusion of “Talking Tintypes,” which use augmented reality (AR) technology to bring photographs to life. For Wilson, CIPX is a way to create new conversations and emphasize exchange over problematic documentation.

“We are thrilled to bring this exhibit to San Angelo,” says SAMFA Curator Laura Huckaby. “Our museum is committed to presenting a broad range of materials and perspectives in its encyclopedic exhibit lineup, and this exhibit is a powerful blend of contemporary art, photography, and history, presented though a combination of old and new technology by a Native American artist. Wilson’s work is visually stunning as well as relevant to the history of our community.”

In Conversation: Will Wilson is organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It was curated by Mindy Besaw, Curator of American Art/Director of Fellowships & Research from Crystal Bridges, and Ashley Holland, Associate Curator.

Art Bridges is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, a Trinity University alum. The mission of Art Bridges is to expand access to American art in all regions across the United States. Since 2017, Art Bridges has been creating and supporting programs that bring outstanding works of American art out of storage and into communities. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 220 museums of all sizes and locations to provide financial and strategic support for exhibition development, loans from the Art Bridges Collection, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. The Art Bridges Collection represents an expanding vision of American art from the 19th century to present day and encompasses multiple media and voices.

Photos of the Day

Catch me up

• San Angeloan Steve Flores was named the interim superintendent for Taylor ISD. Flores is a former superintendent of Round Rock Independent School District and Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. He served for seven years at Round Rock and five years at Harlingen. Before that, he was a principal at Edison and graduated from Angelo State. (Taylor Press)
• The Houston Astros, the best MLB club in Texas, celebrated their 2022 World Series win at the White House on Monday. President Biden singled out manager Dusty Baker as someone who was able to get the job done despite his age of 73. (ESPN)
• The White House is expected to formally ask Congress for supplemental funding for Ukraine and domestic disaster relief as soon as this week, according to five sources familiar with the matter in what will be a major test of U.S. support for Ukraine that could see Republican defense hawks join forces with the Biden administration against Donald Trump-aligned conservatives. (Punchbowl News)
• Just hours after Donald Trump threatened vengeance against his various foes in a social media post Friday afternoon, federal prosecutors asked for a protective order that would bar the former president from sharing evidence in the case publicly. (Semafor)
• At least two people died, thousands of U.S. flights were canceled or delayed, and more than 1.1 million homes and businesses lost power Monday as severe storms, including hail and lightning, moved through the eastern U.S. (Associated Press)
• Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, considered a rising star among Texas Democrats, will temporarily leave her post leading the state’s most populous county to receive treatment for clinical depression, she announced Monday. (Texas Tribune)
• sanangelo.news is the newest member of the Tiny News Collective, a 501c3 which helps communities build sustainable newsrooms. The outlet will be fiscally sponsored by TNC and will soon be able to accept tax-deductible donations until San Angelo News Corp attains tax-exempt status through pro bono help from Proskauer Rose. In addition to the TNC, the outlet is part of Indiegraf Media which is developing an ad strategy and media kit for the outlet.

Obituaries

Susan Diane Baldwin Davis, of San Angelo, passed away July 16, 2023, at the age of 64. She was born on April 13, 1959 in Rantoul, IL, to parents Walter Olen and Dorothy McKinnerney Baldwin.

Susan earned a bachelor's degree and teaching certification from Angelo State University. She taught at McGill Elementary, Lee Middle School, and Howard College for many years before retiring due to disability. She loved teaching, writing poetry, arts and crafts, movies, and games with family and friends. Susan copyrighted a collection of original poetry called "A Little Bit of Me" in 1996 and gifted her family with their own bound copies. This poetry was especially precious to Susan because some of it was written in collaboration with her adored father.

In April 2023, Susan wrote that her treasured memories include:

"Every second spent with my beloved daughter Megan, who has always been the greatest joy of my life. I am so proud of her and so grateful to have been given the gift from God of being her mother.

All the fun nights with all the Baker Street Squatters.

All the holidays and Sundays spent with family.

I know I'm saved and going to heaven. Daddy, Alan, Granny, and I will be watching over you all."

Susan is survived by her daughter, Megan Davis of San Antonio; her mother Dorothy Baldwin; sisters Jackie (Chris) Bubenik, Resie (Daryl) Cook, and Paula (Don) Plachno, of San Angelo; niece Jessica (Eric) Schmalbach of Midland; nephews Chase (Maegan) Bubenik of Wall, Patrick Bubenik, and Joseph Plachno of San Angelo; and numerous grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.

Susan was predeceased by husband Alan Davis 1992, and father Walter Baldwin 2009.

A Celebration of Life will be at Harper Funeral Home on Saturday, August 12, at 2 p.m.

Memorial donations in honor of Susan can be made to PAWS, PO BOX 2604, San Angelo, TX, 76905.

Susan had many cherished friends and former students, and she appreciated them all greatly.

"No More Tomorrows" by Susan Davis

Let's get up today and watch the sky

It's so very blue

Let our worries float on by

No more crying like we do.

Take a walk through green grass

Hear children's laughter

Notice things we've not been seeing

Let's live happily ever after.

In loving memory of Jorge Alberto Negrete.

Our beloved Jorge, a loving son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend went to be with the Lord at the age of 31 on August 2, 2023, in San Angelo, Texas. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Harper Funeral Home. The funeral service and burial will be scheduled in Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico.

Jorge was born September 13, 1991, in San Angelo, Texas, to Jorge Luis Negrete and Martha Solorio. At the age of five, he went to live with his uncle and aunt, Jesus and Amalia Ibarra. He attended Reagan Elementary, Edison Junior High, and graduated from Central High School in 2010. He was a proud member of the Mighty Bobcat Band and graduated in the top 10% of his class. Jorge attended Texas Tech University from 2010 until 2014 when he returned to his hometown of San Angelo.

Jorge is preceded in death by his father, Jorge Luis Negrete, and grandparents, Arcadio and Olivia Negrete, of Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila.

Jorge is survived by family in Ciudad Acuña: his mother, Martha Solorio, sisters Norma Negrete and Janely Negrete, nieces Aylin Negrete and Alison Flores, and nephew Gerardo Negrete.

He is also survived by family in San Angelo: his Tia Amalia and Tio Jesus Ibarra, his cousins who counted him as a brother, Joshua Ibarra and Jessica Ramirez and brother-in-law Zachary Ramirez, and nephews and nieces Nikolai Espinoza, Melanie, Eric, Aubrielle, and Jeremiah Ramirez. Lastly, his beloved cat, Cassius.

We also want to acknowledge his uncle and aunt, Jesus and Amalia Ibarra, who selflessly raised him like their own son with love and care. They provided him with a nurturing home and played a significant role in shaping the person he became. Their unwavering support and guidance helped Jorge grow into a loving, funny, and charismatic individual who loved music and dreamed of becoming a physician. He was always making family and friends laugh.

Jorge, you will never know how much we love you and will miss you. May your soul rest in peace.

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you". - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Harold Joe Gerhart, age 56, died on August 4, 2023, after a sudden illness. Harold Joe Gerhart was born a twin on December 7, 1966, to Jay Smith and Andrea Pritchard in Abilene, Texas. Harold was later adopted by Walter Alvin Gerhart. Harold was affectionately known as Red wherever he went.

Red spent his younger years attending school in Mozelle, Winters, and Paint Rock. Red had a voice and demeanor like no one else. He had a caring, loving spirit that was always willing to help anyone. His love of people led him to a lifetime career as a respiratory therapist, paramedic, and a nurse. Red attended Howard College and Angelo State University ultimately obtaining his various degrees and certifications which included Registered Nurse, Critical Care Registered Nurse, Certified Respiratory Therapist/Respiratory Care Practitioner, Neonatal (Pediatric) Respiratory Care Specialist, and Licensed Practitioner.

Red loved working in rural towns across West Texas including Ballinger, Winters, Brady, Lamesa, Pecos, Rankin, Big Lake, Sonora, and the place he called home Rolling Plains Hospital. Red called San Angelo home and spent many years working at Shannon and Community Hospital in various roles and positions. He rode on many ambulances across West Texas as a paramedic for various services. He loved helping people at their most vulnerable time. Red had a sincere dedication to the medical field, infinite medical knowledge, and an unwavering positive attitude.

Red is survived by his wife of 24 years Michelle, and the love of his life, his one and only daughter, Michon. His mother-in-law Meme (Norma Busby) who loved him like a son. His sister Mandi Priess and husband James. His brother James Smith and his brother Jarrett and wife Emalee Gerhart. Nephews and nieces that he loved so much, Landry, Joshua, Matthew, Grace and Morghan. He also leaves behind the whole Pritchard and Heathcott crew, who he loved so much. And his beloved cats Gingy, Patchey, Peanut, and Smokey.

The family would like to express unending gratitude to the staff at the Shannon Medical Center ER and ICU. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to your local volunteer fire/EMS department or the Nurse Honor Guard of the Concho Valley.

A memorial will take place on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo Tx.